Alan Parker admits he was \u201cthrilled\u201d to become a Medallist of the Honour of the Order of the British Empire (BEM).<\/p>\n
He earned the award for his voluntary services to Rugby League and to the community in Hull.<\/p>\n
After working as a referee in the professional game, Parker has been a long-time advocate of amateur and youth rugby league.<\/p>\n
For decades, he has produced unstinting work in the City of Hull & District Rugby League, helping lead both the Open Age and Youth competitions.<\/p>\n
On receiving the news of his BEM in the King\u2019s Birthday Honours, the 86 year-old admitted: \u201cI couldn\u2019t believe it at first.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was a thrill. You don\u2019t do it all for that reason, but it is nice to be appreciated.<\/p>\n
\u201cEveryone in Hull knows I\u2019ve put a lot of time into the sport over the years and I do love the game.<\/p>\n
\u201cI got a letter about the honour two months ago but was told I had to keep it a secret.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was very difficult. I think one of my friends might have guessed when my wife said I needed to get a new suit.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe said: \u201cWho buys a new suit at 86?!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBut we managed to keep it quiet \u2013 and then I\u2019ve had some lovely messages since it was officially announced.\u201d
Parker, a lifelong Hull KR fan, added: \u201cI went to my first Hull KR game in 1946 so that\u2019s 80 years ago \u2013 and I\u2019ve still got the programme!<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve been with the open age leagues for 50 years and the youth leagues for more than 30.<\/p>\n
\u201cI started referring in 1956 when I was 18 and I went on to referee at every rugby league ground in the country, including clubs like Mansfield Marksmen, Kent Invicta, Carlisle and Blackpool that no longer exist.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s been a great journey and, with them always being bottom when I first started watching as a kid, it was great to see Rovers win all four trophies last year.\u201d<\/p>\n
Rugby Football League interim chief executive Rhodri Jones said: \u201cAs a sport we offer Alan Parker all our congratulations and warm wishes on his BEM.<\/p>\n
\u201cRugby league prides itself on its community spirit and he certainly embodies that with the volunteering he has done for more than half a century.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe sport wouldn\u2019t be what it is without selfless characters like Alan and we thank him for his continued efforts and support.\u201d<\/p>\n
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